We've only just begunTo live,White lace and promisesA kiss for luck and we're on our wayWe've only begun(The Carpenters)

So much of our lives are built around promises. In fact every known human society bases or has based many of its most important life decisions, simply on a promise. It is, in some ways the very basis of social life as we know it. Yet, as we all have experienced, those very things that appear so promising one day tarnish and rust in another. Not that the tarnish and rust necessarily brings and end to the promise. For many promises are renewed daily, and in the renewal they bring new live and hope, longevity and tolerance that so many of us wish for. In my mind, the best promises are those that allows the "other" to grow and develop without preconceived ideas or expectations and in that process to develop a connection of deeper trust. These are really the only relationships of value, for they last in some cases a life time.

So at this time of year, I want to pause in my own life, and look at some of the promises that I have made. Where possible I want to renew, strengthen and deepen them. And finally it is my hope that each of you who take the time to look at this image and read my thoughts will also look at your promises, and try to find ways to make them grow deep and strong, so that even when they are rusted and tarnished, they are still loved.

there is indeed something about this house that attracts. I clearly remember the day I took it too. I thought I was finished, then the sun broke out and lit up the house for just a few minutes. I quickly re-took a number of images. That sun beam made all the difference.

This was my all time favorite and seems I have always tried to believe in promises, thank you so much for your wonderful thoughts!! Merry Christmas dear friend!!!Merry Christmas !!! Happy New Year!! Cindy